Jessica Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, died unexpectedly over the weekend. Local police in Alexandria say an investigation is underway following the discovery of her body at a residence on Saturday morning.
Responding officers arrived after receiving a call about an unresponsive woman shortly after 9 a.m. Officials have not confirmed whether the residence belonged to Aber or who notified emergency services. The medical examiner is expected to issue findings on the cause and manner of death.
The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) March 23, 2025
A family acquaintance told Fox News that Aber had a long-term medical condition. Law enforcement reportedly believes the death could be linked to that, though no conclusions have been made public.
Aber was nominated to her post by President Joe Biden in 2021 and served through January 2025, stepping down the day President Donald Trump returned to the White House. During her term, Aber focused on national security, cybercrime and export control violations.
One of her final high-profile cases involved the prosecution of a former intelligence analyst who pleaded guilty to leaking secret information about potential military actions involving Israel. Aber condemned the breach as a danger to both national security and diplomatic efforts.
Her office also led a crackdown on two Virginia businessmen who were accused of violating sanctions by exporting sensitive technology to Russia. In a separate case, Aber’s prosecutors secured indictments against two Russian nationals accused of running a laundering network that supported criminal hackers.
Tributes from officials noted Aber’s career impact. Erik Siebert, who now leads the office Aber once held, said she set a high bar for professionalism. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares noted her work on gun violence prevention efforts.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement describing the news as “deeply tragic” and extended condolences to Aber’s family.
Aber had been with the Department of Justice for over a decade, serving both in Virginia and at DOJ headquarters during the Obama administration. Her death at 43 has prompted a full review by the Alexandria Police Department.
